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Taylor Kitsch to portray religious cult leader David Koresh in new limited series, 'Waco'

By Wade Sheridan
Actor Taylor Kitsch attending the premiere of "Savages" on June 25, 2012. Kitsch is set to portray religious cult leader David Koresh in a new limted series entitled "Waco." The actor will be joined by Michael Shannon as FBI negotiator Gary Noesener and Chris 'Ludacris' Bridges as Branch Davidian member Wayne Martin. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI
1 of 3 | Actor Taylor Kitsch attending the premiere of "Savages" on June 25, 2012. Kitsch is set to portray religious cult leader David Koresh in a new limted series entitled "Waco." The actor will be joined by Michael Shannon as FBI negotiator Gary Noesener and Chris 'Ludacris' Bridges as Branch Davidian member Wayne Martin. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 31 (UPI) -- Taylor Kitsch is returning to television to portray real-life religious cult leader David Koresh in a new limited series entitled Waco.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the currently in-development project will depict the 1993 FBI siege of Koresh's Branch Davidians compound in Waco, Texas that led to the death of over 80 people after it was set on fire.

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Kitsch will be joined by Michael Shannon as lead FBI negotiator Gary Noesner and rapper Chris 'Ludacris' Bridges as Branch Davidian member Wayne Martin.

The series will focus on the 51-day standoff Koresh had with authorities before the siege was initiated.

Waco is being scripted by brothers John Erick and Drew Dowdle of No Escape fame with John Erick set to direct. Shannon and Kitsch have also signed on to executive produce while The Weinstein Co. plans to shop the series to networks soon.

Waco marks a return to television for Kitsch who was last seen in Season 2 of HBO's crime thriller True Detective. The actor, best known for his role on Friday Night Lights, is sticking to television following box-office disappointments John Carter and Battleship.

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